US4436194A - Coin operated delivery system for vending machines - Google Patents
Coin operated delivery system for vending machines Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US4436194A US4436194A US06/519,845 US51984583A US4436194A US 4436194 A US4436194 A US 4436194A US 51984583 A US51984583 A US 51984583A US 4436194 A US4436194 A US 4436194A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- coin
- helix
- channel
- rotation
- product
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 abstract description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 229940112822 chewing gum Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 235000015218 chewing gum Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000009508 confectionery Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003811 finger Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013606 potato chips Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000021464 prepackaged snack Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000011888 snacks Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F5/00—Coin-actuated mechanisms; Interlocks
- G07F5/02—Coin-actuated mechanisms; Interlocks actuated mechanically by coins, e.g. by a single coin
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
- G07F11/46—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports
- G07F11/58—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports the articles being supported on or by endless belts or like conveyors
Definitions
- This invention is directed to a coin operated delivery system for machines for dispensing articles such as prepackaged snack foods, candy bars, chewing gum, sandwiches, and the like.
- the system is characterized by the fact that delivery of the desired product is accomplished manually by rotation of a coin receiver coupled to a helical product holder.
- the system is especially adapted for dispensing products at low volume locations. Its construction is simple and its operation is easy.
- the coin operated snack vending machine is ubiquitous. It is found wherever large numbers of hungry people pass or congregate. It is found in public buildings such as schools, hospitals, transportation terminals, and the like, and in places of employment such as shops, factories, offices, and the like. Most such vending machines are large, complicated, electrically operated, and dependent upon relatively large sales volume. Small shops, factories, offices, and the like, which have a relatively small work force, are at a disadvantage because the volume of business generated does not justify the installation of one of the available expensive vending machines.
- the delivery system of the present invention is especially adapted to satisfy the needs of low volume demand locations in a secure pilferage resistant manner.
- the coin operated delivery system for a product vending machine comprises an elongated open top horizontal channel adapted to be enclosed within a vending machine housing.
- An elongated helix is horizontally disposed and supported for rotation within the channel.
- the coils of the helix are widely spaced apart so as to receive loosely between each pair of adjacent coils a vertically disposed product to be dispensed.
- the helix is of such a length that one end extends at least to the corresponding end of the channel.
- a vertically disposed coin receiver adapted to be supported on the outside of the vending machine housing, is linked through an appropriate opening to the opposite end of the helix.
- the coin receiver when containing the requisite amount of money, is capable of manual rotation in one direction through at least one full rotation to rotate the helix through one rotation. This causes the discharge from the remote end of the helix and channel of one unit of product contained within the helix. The product is pushed off the end of the channel by rotation of the helix and falls into an area accessible to the purchaser for removal from the machine.
- FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the delivery system according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a left side elevation thereof
- FIG. 3 is a front elevation thereof
- FIG. 4 is a rear elevation partly in section on the line 4--4 of FIG. 2 and in the direction of the arrows;
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the coin receiver mechanism and its linkage to the product delivering helix.
- FIGS. 6 through 10 are rear elevations of the coin receiving mechanism, showing the several successive rotational steps of the coin receiver and associated parts during the manual operation of the delivery system.
- the coin operated delivery system for a product vending machine comprises an elongated open top channel, indicated generally at 10.
- the channel is intended to be supported horizontally within a vending machine housing of the usual rectangular design so as to extend perpendicularly rearwardly from the front wall and spaced from the rear wall sufficiently to permit the vended product to fall therebetween.
- the channel comprises a bottom wall or floor 11, spaced apart vertical side walls 12 and 13.
- the width and depth of channel 10 are dictated by the dimensions of the product to be vended so as to support and guide the product in its movement along the channel.
- the channel may be relatively narrow.
- the channels are correspondingly wider.
- the housing includes a transparent panel or window to enable a customer to determine that a product is available.
- An elongated helix is disposed in the bottom of channel 10 for rotation therein.
- the adjacent coils of helix 14 are relatively widely spaced apart, the space between each adjacent pair of coils being adapted to receive one unit of the product to be vended.
- the diameter of helix 14 and the relative spacing between adjacent coils thereof is dictated by the dimensions of the product.
- the helix should fit loosely for rotation within the channel and the items of product should fit loosely within the helix so that upon rotation of the helix the items of product are advanced from the front end of the channel to the rear end thereof.
- the length of helix 14 is such that it extends at least to the rearward end of the channel so that the rearwardmost item of product is pushed out of the channel upon rotation of the helix. From there, as is usual, the product drops into a chute or chamber in the vending machine housing below the channel which is accessible by the purchaser who may simply reach in and retrieve the product purchased.
- a coin receiver mechanism is adapted for mounting on the outside front wall of a vending machine housing to connect through the wall to the end of the helix.
- the structure of the coin receiver mechanism, and its operation, are best understood by reference to FIGS. 5 through 10.
- the invention is illustrated with reference to a device operable by a single coin. However, the device is readily adaptable for operation by insertion of two or more coins, as dictated by the price of the product being vended.
- the coin receiving mechanism comprises a disc 16 having a recess 17 in its periphery which is adapted to receive a coin of appropriate denomination with a close but loose fit.
- the depth of recess 17 is such that when a coin is inserted therein the outermost edge of the coin extends to or slightly above what would be the peripheral edge of the disc, were it not for the recess.
- pawl 18 is prevented from engaging lip 19 at the edge of recess 17, as occurs when no coin is present.
- Pawl 18 is pivoted on a pin or screw 20. It is biased to engage the edge of coin disc 16 by means of a sear spring 21 housed within a slot in the pawl, one arm of the spring bearing against a fixed pin 22.
- Coin disc 16 and pawl 18 are sandwiched between a flat front plate 23 and flat rear plate 24 held spaced apart by means of appropriate spacers 25 and held together by fasteners, such as screws or bolts 26, or the like. If the coin receiver is intended to receive more than one coin, then a separate coin disc 16 and pawl 18 are provided for each coin and sandwiched between additional front plates 23.
- Each such front plate 23 has a notch 27 in its top edge to facilitate insertion of the coin.
- Front plate 23 also has a circular opening 28 below recess 27.
- Rear plate 24 has a similar opening, not shown, in which a similar rear bearing disc rotates.
- a ratchet wheel 30 is disposed against the rearward surface of rear plate 24.
- Ratchet wheel 30 has teeth over about three-fourths of its periphery.
- a pawl 31, pivotally supported by screw or pin 20, is biased by coil spring 32 into engagement with the toothed periphery of the ratchet wheel.
- the ratchet wheel carries a rearwardly extending yoke 33 by which helix 14 is linked to the coin receiver mechanism.
- a knob or handle 34 is disposed against the outside surface of the outermost front plate 23.
- the top edge of knob 34 when the knob is at normal at-rest position, is flattened to coincide generally with the edge of recess 27 in plate 23 to facilitate insertion of the coins.
- Knob 34 preferably includes a bar 35 which is parallel to the flattened top edge of the knob. Bar 35 permits easy rotation of the knob when engaged by finger and thumb and facilitates orientation of the coin receiving mechanism for beginning of the product dispensing cycle.
- Knob 34, bearing disc 29, coin disc 16, ratchet wheel 30, and yoke 33 are all fastened together, as by means of screws or bolts 36, to rotate as a single unit.
- FIGS. 6 through 10 The operation of the coin receiving mechanism is shown sequentially in FIGS. 6 through 10. Because helix 14 rotates along with the rotatable elements of the coin receiving mechanism, it will be readily seen how the individual items of product held within the helix and channel are moved along the channel by rotation of the coin receiving mechanism.
- the coin receiving mechanism is shown in its normal at-rest position ready to receive a coin 37 which is inserted in recess 17.
- the coin receiving mechanism is adapted to be rotated clockwise from the purchaser's viewpoint or counter-clockwise, as seen in the view from the rear represented by FIG. 6. Counter-clockwise movement (from the purchaser's viewpoint) is prevented by pawl 31 engaging ratchet wheel 33.
- the knob and associated mechanism can be rotated clockwise and, as seen in FIG. 7, the edge of coin 37 engages pawl 18 and pushes it outwardly against the tension of sear spring 21 sufficiently far to prevent engagement of the pawl with lip 19 on the periphery of the coin disc.
- pawl 31 engages the relatively long start ramp 38 on the periphery of the ratchet wheel.
- Rotation of the knob and associated mechanism continues for approximately one and one-fourth turns until, as shown in FIG. 9, further rotation is prevented by pawl 18 engaging lip 19 of the coin disc 16 because of the absence of a coin in the disc.
- Pawl 31 again engages the relatively long start ramp 38 of the ratchet wheel.
- the direction of rotation may now be reversed approximately a quarter turn until pawl 31 again engages a tooth of the ratchet wheel to prevent further rotation.
- the mechanism is now returned to its normal at-rest position ready to receive a further coin in recess 17. Because the items of product being vended are loosely supported within the helix and channel, the product slides along freely in response to rotation of the helix.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
- Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims (9)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US06/519,845 US4436194A (en) | 1983-08-03 | 1983-08-03 | Coin operated delivery system for vending machines |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US06/519,845 US4436194A (en) | 1983-08-03 | 1983-08-03 | Coin operated delivery system for vending machines |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US4436194A true US4436194A (en) | 1984-03-13 |
Family
ID=24070040
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US06/519,845 Expired - Fee Related US4436194A (en) | 1983-08-03 | 1983-08-03 | Coin operated delivery system for vending machines |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US4436194A (en) |
Cited By (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1988003543A1 (en) * | 1986-11-14 | 1988-05-19 | E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Partially grafted thermoplastic compositions |
US4809879A (en) * | 1986-09-30 | 1989-03-07 | Tifcor Corporation | Method and apparatus for dispensing items |
US4815578A (en) * | 1987-07-29 | 1989-03-28 | Joseph Bonanno | Coin-controlled mechanism for a product dispenser |
US5070986A (en) * | 1990-03-12 | 1991-12-10 | Arlan J. Hoffman | Vending machine operating mechanism |
US5186355A (en) * | 1991-12-23 | 1993-02-16 | Venex Incorporated | Coil position adjustment device for vending machines |
US20030205028A1 (en) * | 2002-04-22 | 2003-11-06 | Sus Gerald A. | Automated food processing system and method |
US20030205288A1 (en) * | 2002-04-22 | 2003-11-06 | Sus Gerald A. | Automated device and method for packaging food |
US20040011006A1 (en) * | 2002-04-22 | 2004-01-22 | Sus Gerald A. | Food dispensing device and method |
US20040020555A1 (en) * | 2002-04-22 | 2004-02-05 | Sus Gerald A. | Automated food processing system and method |
US6869633B2 (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2005-03-22 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Automated food frying device and method |
US6960157B2 (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2005-11-01 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Automated system and method for handling food containers |
US7356980B2 (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2008-04-15 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Automated method for packaging food |
US7441388B2 (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2008-10-28 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Automated device for packaging food |
US8386074B2 (en) | 2010-05-25 | 2013-02-26 | Interactive Vending Corporation | Vending machine |
US20130313079A1 (en) * | 2012-05-24 | 2013-11-28 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Product delivering device of vending machine |
US20140042179A1 (en) * | 2012-08-13 | 2014-02-13 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Automatic vending machine with moving member for products |
US20140048756A1 (en) * | 2012-08-17 | 2014-02-20 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Driving device for vending machine |
US20140061225A1 (en) * | 2012-09-06 | 2014-03-06 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Vending machine with reduced number of driving motors |
US20140367403A1 (en) * | 2010-03-16 | 2014-12-18 | The Coca-Cola Company | Vendor |
JP2020080071A (en) * | 2018-11-13 | 2020-05-28 | サンデン・リテールシステム株式会社 | Commodity delivery mechanism of commodity vending machine |
-
1983
- 1983-08-03 US US06/519,845 patent/US4436194A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (35)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4809879A (en) * | 1986-09-30 | 1989-03-07 | Tifcor Corporation | Method and apparatus for dispensing items |
WO1988003543A1 (en) * | 1986-11-14 | 1988-05-19 | E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Partially grafted thermoplastic compositions |
US4815578A (en) * | 1987-07-29 | 1989-03-28 | Joseph Bonanno | Coin-controlled mechanism for a product dispenser |
US5070986A (en) * | 1990-03-12 | 1991-12-10 | Arlan J. Hoffman | Vending machine operating mechanism |
US5186355A (en) * | 1991-12-23 | 1993-02-16 | Venex Incorporated | Coil position adjustment device for vending machines |
US7356980B2 (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2008-04-15 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Automated method for packaging food |
US7703636B2 (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2010-04-27 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Frozen food dispensing device and method |
US20040011006A1 (en) * | 2002-04-22 | 2004-01-22 | Sus Gerald A. | Food dispensing device and method |
US20040020555A1 (en) * | 2002-04-22 | 2004-02-05 | Sus Gerald A. | Automated food processing system and method |
US6869633B2 (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2005-03-22 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Automated food frying device and method |
US20050061160A1 (en) * | 2002-04-22 | 2005-03-24 | William Day | Automated food frying device and method |
US6871676B2 (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2005-03-29 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Automated device and method for packaging food |
US6960157B2 (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2005-11-01 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Automated system and method for handling food containers |
US7303776B2 (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2007-12-04 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Automated food processing system and method |
US7337594B2 (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2008-03-04 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Food dispensing device and method |
US20080061072A1 (en) * | 2002-04-22 | 2008-03-13 | Sus Gerald A | Frozen food dispensing device and method |
US20030205028A1 (en) * | 2002-04-22 | 2003-11-06 | Sus Gerald A. | Automated food processing system and method |
US20080166461A1 (en) * | 2002-04-22 | 2008-07-10 | Sus Gerald A | Automated food processing system and method |
US20080193617A1 (en) * | 2002-04-22 | 2008-08-14 | Sus Gerald A | Automated food processing system and method |
US7441388B2 (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2008-10-28 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Automated device for packaging food |
US20030205288A1 (en) * | 2002-04-22 | 2003-11-06 | Sus Gerald A. | Automated device and method for packaging food |
US7891289B2 (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2011-02-22 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Automated food frying device and method |
US7981455B2 (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2011-07-19 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Automated food processing system and method |
US8034390B2 (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2011-10-11 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Automated food processing system and method |
US20140367403A1 (en) * | 2010-03-16 | 2014-12-18 | The Coca-Cola Company | Vendor |
US10600273B2 (en) * | 2010-03-16 | 2020-03-24 | The Coca-Cola Company | Vendor |
US8386074B2 (en) | 2010-05-25 | 2013-02-26 | Interactive Vending Corporation | Vending machine |
US20130313079A1 (en) * | 2012-05-24 | 2013-11-28 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Product delivering device of vending machine |
US20140042179A1 (en) * | 2012-08-13 | 2014-02-13 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Automatic vending machine with moving member for products |
US20140048756A1 (en) * | 2012-08-17 | 2014-02-20 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Driving device for vending machine |
US9214054B2 (en) * | 2012-08-17 | 2015-12-15 | Shenzhen Treasure City Technology Co., Ltd. | Driving device for vending machine |
US20140061225A1 (en) * | 2012-09-06 | 2014-03-06 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Vending machine with reduced number of driving motors |
JP2020080071A (en) * | 2018-11-13 | 2020-05-28 | サンデン・リテールシステム株式会社 | Commodity delivery mechanism of commodity vending machine |
EP3843055A4 (en) * | 2018-11-13 | 2022-05-25 | Sanden Retail Systems Corporation | Item conveyance mechanism of item vending machine |
US11983979B2 (en) | 2018-11-13 | 2024-05-14 | Sanden Retail Systems Corporation | Item conveyance mechanism of item vending machine |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
CC | Certificate of correction | ||
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TIFCAR CORPORATION, A CORP. OF CA. Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS RECITED;ASSIGNOR:HANLEY JAMES O.;REEL/FRAME:004472/0081 Effective date: 19850920 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: VANN SYSTEMS INC. Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:GEO VANN, INC.;REEL/FRAME:004606/0291 Effective date: 19851015 Owner name: HALLIBURTON COMPANY Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:VANN SYSTEMS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:004606/0300 Effective date: 19851205 Owner name: VANN SYSTEMS INC.,STATELESS Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:GEO VANN, INC.;REEL/FRAME:004606/0291 Effective date: 19851015 Owner name: HALLIBURTON COMPANY,STATELESS Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:VANN SYSTEMS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:004606/0300 Effective date: 19851205 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TIFCAR CORPORATION, A CORP. OF CA. Free format text: TO AMEND PARAGRAPHS 9 & 10 IN A PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ASSIGNMENT, RECORDED OCTOBER 18, 1985, REEL 4472 FRAME 081.;ASSIGNOR:HANLEY, JAMES O.;REEL/FRAME:004610/0991 Effective date: 19860507 Owner name: TIFCAR CORPORATION, STATELESS Free format text: TO AMEND PARAGRAPHS 9 & 10 IN A PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ASSIGNMENT, RECORDED OCTOBER 18, 1985, REEL 4472 FRAME 081.;ASSIGNOR:HANLEY, JAMES O.;REEL/FRAME:004610/0991 Effective date: 19860507 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 19880313 |